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Page 315
Chapter Sixteen
As word of King John's arrival and destination spread, noblemen and their ladies poured into Winchester. Alinor was very grateful to Lady Ela. Owing to her advice, she had been in time to rent a small house not far from the castle. Ian had been hesitant at first, not wishing to offend either the Bishop of Winchester, who had offered them accommodation, or the king, if John should offer lodging. However, far from being offended, Peter of Winchester thought the notion excellent. Though he laughed heartily at Alinor's excuse, no lady to his mind being less likely to be disordered by excitement or exertion, he said he thought it would serve well enough for those who did not know her.
Ian waited on the king as soon as word came that John was ready to receive his noblemen, and came home very puzzled and worried. He had been greeted with what was, to his mind, suspicious blandness. Even though Salisbury had caught him as he entered the great hall to say he had smoothed matters over, it seemed unnatural to Ian that the king made no reference to his marriage except to ask whether Alinor had accompanied him. He had been almost tempted to say she had not, but too many people knew the truth. After a few minutes of pleasant talk, John had dismissed him with an invitation that amounted to a command, for himself and his lady to attend the great feast on Christmas Eve.
More puzzling than the king's apparent indifference was the casual manner of the court at large. The king, as Ian knew all too well, was practiced in the methods

 
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